Berkeley council adds wildfire-safety letter to consent agenda and approves consent calendar

The Berkeley City Council voted by unanimous consent on Sept. 16 to add a letter to the governor supporting three wildfire-safety bills to the night’s consent agenda and then approved the full consent calendar.

Councilmember Blackby moved to add the letter, saying the city’s prior communication to the state helped move the bills through the Legislature and that quick action was now needed because the measures were awaiting the governor’s signature. The motion was seconded and the mayor called for objections; none were raised and the item was placed on the consent calendar for the mayor’s signature.

The consent calendar passed without objection. Among items highlighted in council comments was a small-grants contribution (Item 11) to a Parent Writing Circles initiative: Councilmember Bartlett proposed $500 from his discretionary account; several other council offices recorded additional contributions and co-sponsorships for related items. Council members also thanked Public Works and Parks staff for work on other agenda items discussed earlier in the meeting.

No roll-call vote was taken for the consent calendar because the council approved it by unanimous consent. The mayor declared the consent calendar passed and the council moved on to general public comment.

Next steps: the letter will be transmitted to the governor’s office under the council’s authorization, and council staff will implement recording of the donations and any associated reporting requirements specified in the consent-item paperwork.